Find your current Power 6 model
IBM i 7.3 is not supported on Power 6 hardware. Selected Power 6 systems can run IBM i 7.2, which is a technical release ceiling rather than a statement that normal support is still available.
Select your exact model below for its planning notes and catalog details. The release column is a planning boundary; processor features and I/O can require higher minimum levels.
| Current model | IBM i release boundary | First planning question |
|---|---|---|
| 520 8203-E4A | 7.2 or an earlier supported release for the exact model | Compare a capacity change with the release you need |
| 520 9407-M15 | 7.2 or an earlier supported release for the exact model | Compare a capacity change with the release you need |
| 520 9408-M25 | 7.2 or an earlier supported release for the exact model | Compare a capacity change with the release you need |
| 550 8204-E8A | 7.2 or an earlier supported release for the exact model | Compare a capacity change with the release you need |
| 550 9409-M50 | 7.2 or an earlier supported release for the exact model | Compare a capacity change with the release you need |
| 560 8234-EMA | 7.2 or an earlier supported release for the exact model | Compare a capacity change with the release you need |
| 570 9117-MMA | 7.2 or an earlier supported release for the exact model | Size the partitions before choosing the replacement |
| 570 9406-MMA | 7.2 or an earlier supported release for the exact model | Size the partitions before choosing the replacement |
| 595 9119-FHA | 7.2 or an earlier supported release for the exact model | Size the partitions before choosing the replacement |
| JS12 7998-60X | 7.2 or an earlier supported release for the exact model | Replace the chassis dependencies with the workload |
| JS22 7998-61X | 7.2 or an earlier supported release for the exact model | Replace the chassis dependencies with the workload |
| JS23 7778-23X | 7.2 or an earlier supported release for the exact model | Replace the chassis dependencies with the workload |
| JS43 7778-23X | 7.2 or an earlier supported release for the exact model | Replace the chassis dependencies with the workload |
| Smart Cube 8261-E4S | 7.2 or an earlier supported release for the exact model | Compare a capacity change with the release you need |
520 8203-E4A: compare a capacity change with the release you need
Use the installed processor feature and IBM i allocation to size the workload. Review memory pressure and disk response before buying more processor capacity. If the desired release is outside this model’s limit, include replacement hardware in the comparison rather than treating added memory as an OS upgrade.
The existing catalog describes this model’s I/O as: Six 3.5-inch or eight SFF SAS drives; three PCIe and two PCI-X slots. Compare that layout with the devices actually attached to your system; it does not mean the same adapters or disks can transfer to the destination.
For a replacement comparison, review S1012 9028-21B and S1112 9242-21B. Size these candidates against the actual IBM i workload and release requirement. The comparison does not establish a one-for-one capacity match or an eligible model conversion.
520 8203-E4A specifications and configurations · Choose the installed-release starting point · Collect the migration inventory
520 9407-M15: compare a capacity change with the release you need
Use the installed processor feature and IBM i allocation to size the workload. Review memory pressure and disk response before buying more processor capacity. If the desired release is outside this model’s limit, include replacement hardware in the comparison rather than treating added memory as an OS upgrade.
The existing catalog describes this model’s I/O as: Six internal SAS drive positions; five system I/O slots. Compare that layout with the devices actually attached to your system; it does not mean the same adapters or disks can transfer to the destination.
For a replacement comparison, review S1012 9028-21B and S1112 9242-21B. Size these candidates against the actual IBM i workload and release requirement. The comparison does not establish a one-for-one capacity match or an eligible model conversion.
520 9407-M15 specifications and configurations · Choose the installed-release starting point · Collect the migration inventory
520 9408-M25: compare a capacity change with the release you need
Use the installed processor feature and IBM i allocation to size the workload. Review memory pressure and disk response before buying more processor capacity. If the desired release is outside this model’s limit, include replacement hardware in the comparison rather than treating added memory as an OS upgrade.
The existing catalog describes this model’s I/O as: Six internal SAS drive positions; five system I/O slots. Compare that layout with the devices actually attached to your system; it does not mean the same adapters or disks can transfer to the destination.
For a replacement comparison, review S1012 9028-21B and S1112 9242-21B. Size these candidates against the actual IBM i workload and release requirement. The comparison does not establish a one-for-one capacity match or an eligible model conversion.
520 9408-M25 specifications and configurations · Choose the installed-release starting point · Collect the migration inventory
550 8204-E8A: compare a capacity change with the release you need
Use the installed processor feature and IBM i allocation to size the workload. Review memory pressure and disk response before buying more processor capacity. If the desired release is outside this model’s limit, include replacement hardware in the comparison rather than treating added memory as an OS upgrade.
The existing catalog describes this model’s I/O as: Six 3.5-inch or eight SFF SAS bays; three PCIe and two PCI-X slots. Compare that layout with the devices actually attached to your system; it does not mean the same adapters or disks can transfer to the destination.
For a replacement comparison, review S1012 9028-21B and S1112 9242-21B. Size these candidates against the actual IBM i workload and release requirement. The comparison does not establish a one-for-one capacity match or an eligible model conversion.
550 8204-E8A specifications and configurations · Choose the installed-release starting point · Collect the migration inventory
550 9409-M50: compare a capacity change with the release you need
Use the installed processor feature and IBM i allocation to size the workload. Review memory pressure and disk response before buying more processor capacity. If the desired release is outside this model’s limit, include replacement hardware in the comparison rather than treating added memory as an OS upgrade.
The existing catalog describes this model’s I/O as: Six 3.5-inch or eight SFF SAS bays; five system I/O slots. Compare that layout with the devices actually attached to your system; it does not mean the same adapters or disks can transfer to the destination.
For a replacement comparison, review S1012 9028-21B and S1112 9242-21B. Size these candidates against the actual IBM i workload and release requirement. The comparison does not establish a one-for-one capacity match or an eligible model conversion.
550 9409-M50 specifications and configurations · Choose the installed-release starting point · Collect the migration inventory
560 8234-EMA: compare a capacity change with the release you need
Use the installed processor feature and IBM i allocation to size the workload. Review memory pressure and disk response before buying more processor capacity. If the desired release is outside this model’s limit, include replacement hardware in the comparison rather than treating added memory as an OS upgrade.
The existing catalog describes this model’s I/O as: Six 3.5-inch SAS bays per enclosure; up to twelve PCI slots across two enclosures. Compare that layout with the devices actually attached to your system; it does not mean the same adapters or disks can transfer to the destination.
For a replacement comparison, review S1012 9028-21B and S1112 9242-21B. Size these candidates against the actual IBM i workload and release requirement. The comparison does not establish a one-for-one capacity match or an eligible model conversion.
560 8234-EMA specifications and configurations · Choose the installed-release starting point · Collect the migration inventory
570 9117-MMA: size the partitions before choosing the replacement
Inventory every IBM i partition and any AIX or Linux partitions that share the server. Capture peak demand and each partition’s software entitlement. Check external storage and management-console compatibility separately from the processor comparison so consolidation retains the required isolation and recovery options.
The existing catalog describes this model’s I/O as: Six 3.5-inch SAS bays per enclosure; external RIO/12X I/O drawers. Compare that layout with the devices actually attached to your system; it does not mean the same adapters or disks can transfer to the destination.
For a replacement comparison, review E1080 9080-HEX and E1180 9080-HEU. Size these candidates against the actual IBM i workload and release requirement. The comparison does not establish a one-for-one capacity match or an eligible model conversion.
570 9117-MMA specifications and configurations · Choose the installed-release starting point · Collect the migration inventory
570 9406-MMA: size the partitions before choosing the replacement
Inventory every IBM i partition and any AIX or Linux partitions that share the server. Capture peak demand and each partition’s software entitlement. Check external storage and management-console compatibility separately from the processor comparison so consolidation retains the required isolation and recovery options.
The existing catalog describes this model’s I/O as: Six internal SAS bays per enclosure; RIO/12X expansion is configuration dependent. Compare that layout with the devices actually attached to your system; it does not mean the same adapters or disks can transfer to the destination.
For a replacement comparison, review E1080 9080-HEX and E1180 9080-HEU. Size these candidates against the actual IBM i workload and release requirement. The comparison does not establish a one-for-one capacity match or an eligible model conversion.
570 9406-MMA specifications and configurations · Choose the installed-release starting point · Collect the migration inventory
595 9119-FHA: size the partitions before choosing the replacement
Inventory every IBM i partition and any AIX or Linux partitions that share the server. Capture peak demand and each partition’s software entitlement. Check external storage and management-console compatibility separately from the processor comparison so consolidation retains the required isolation and recovery options.
The existing catalog describes this model’s I/O as: Drives and PCI adapters reside in attached 19-inch or 24-inch I/O drawers. Compare that layout with the devices actually attached to your system; it does not mean the same adapters or disks can transfer to the destination.
For a replacement comparison, review E1080 9080-HEX and E1180 9080-HEU. Size these candidates against the actual IBM i workload and release requirement. The comparison does not establish a one-for-one capacity match or an eligible model conversion.
595 9119-FHA specifications and configurations · Choose the installed-release starting point · Collect the migration inventory
JS12 7998-60X: replace the chassis dependencies with the workload
Include the BladeCenter or Flex chassis and its shared networking in the replacement plan. Identify the Virtual I/O Server partition that supplies IBM i disks and network access. The target needs its own supported I/O arrangement; a server quote alone does not replace those services.
The existing catalog describes this model’s I/O as: Two local SAS drive positions; chassis-connected expansion cards. Compare that layout with the devices actually attached to your system; it does not mean the same adapters or disks can transfer to the destination.
For a replacement comparison, review S1022 9105-22A and S1122 9824-22A. Size these candidates against the actual IBM i workload and release requirement. The comparison does not establish a one-for-one capacity match or an eligible model conversion.
JS12 7998-60X specifications and configurations · Choose the installed-release starting point · Collect the migration inventory
JS22 7998-61X: replace the chassis dependencies with the workload
Include the BladeCenter or Flex chassis and its shared networking in the replacement plan. Identify the Virtual I/O Server partition that supplies IBM i disks and network access. The target needs its own supported I/O arrangement; a server quote alone does not replace those services.
The existing catalog describes this model’s I/O as: One local SAS drive positions; chassis-connected expansion cards. Compare that layout with the devices actually attached to your system; it does not mean the same adapters or disks can transfer to the destination.
For a replacement comparison, review S1022 9105-22A and S1122 9824-22A. Size these candidates against the actual IBM i workload and release requirement. The comparison does not establish a one-for-one capacity match or an eligible model conversion.
JS22 7998-61X specifications and configurations · Choose the installed-release starting point · Collect the migration inventory
JS23 7778-23X: replace the chassis dependencies with the workload
Include the BladeCenter or Flex chassis and its shared networking in the replacement plan. Identify the Virtual I/O Server partition that supplies IBM i disks and network access. The target needs its own supported I/O arrangement; a server quote alone does not replace those services.
The existing catalog describes this model’s I/O as: One local SAS drive positions; chassis-connected expansion cards. Compare that layout with the devices actually attached to your system; it does not mean the same adapters or disks can transfer to the destination.
For a replacement comparison, review S1022 9105-22A and S1122 9824-22A. Size these candidates against the actual IBM i workload and release requirement. The comparison does not establish a one-for-one capacity match or an eligible model conversion.
JS23 7778-23X specifications and configurations · Choose the installed-release starting point · Collect the migration inventory
JS43 7778-23X: replace the chassis dependencies with the workload
Include the BladeCenter or Flex chassis and its shared networking in the replacement plan. Identify the Virtual I/O Server partition that supplies IBM i disks and network access. The target needs its own supported I/O arrangement; a server quote alone does not replace those services.
The existing catalog describes this model’s I/O as: Two local SAS drive positions; chassis-connected expansion cards. Compare that layout with the devices actually attached to your system; it does not mean the same adapters or disks can transfer to the destination.
For a replacement comparison, review S1022 9105-22A and S1122 9824-22A. Size these candidates against the actual IBM i workload and release requirement. The comparison does not establish a one-for-one capacity match or an eligible model conversion.
JS43 7778-23X specifications and configurations · Choose the installed-release starting point · Collect the migration inventory
Smart Cube 8261-E4S: compare a capacity change with the release you need
Use the installed processor feature and IBM i allocation to size the workload. Review memory pressure and disk response before buying more processor capacity. If the desired release is outside this model’s limit, include replacement hardware in the comparison rather than treating added memory as an OS upgrade.
The existing catalog describes this model’s I/O as: Shared 520 service family has 3.5-inch and SFF SAS backplanes; identify the installed one. Compare that layout with the devices actually attached to your system; it does not mean the same adapters or disks can transfer to the destination.
For a replacement comparison, review S1012 9028-21B and S1112 9242-21B. Size these candidates against the actual IBM i workload and release requirement. The comparison does not establish a one-for-one capacity match or an eligible model conversion.
Smart Cube 8261-E4S specifications and configurations · Choose the installed-release starting point · Collect the migration inventory
Your installed IBM i release on Power 6
Check the release ceiling beside the console and storage arrangement. BladeCenter workloads also need a replacement for the chassis and shared I/O services.
| Installed release | Useful next step |
|---|---|
| IBM i 6.1 / i5/OS V5R4 and earlier | Review the supported software steps and the hardware needed for each step. A release named here is a planning branch, not proof it is installed or supported by every configuration. |
| IBM i 7.1 | Review the supported software steps and the hardware needed for each step. A release named here is a planning branch, not proof it is installed or supported by every configuration. |
| IBM i 7.2 | Review the supported software steps and the hardware needed for each step. A release named here is a planning branch, not proof it is installed or supported by every configuration. |
If your recorded release falls outside the boundaries above, confirm the exact machine and partition inventory before selecting a destination. Find the model and release information.
Power 6 capacity upgrade or replacement
Replacement assessment before any IBM i 7.3 or later plan.
- Compare IBM i CPW and peak workload before choosing a processor configuration.
- Check memory capacity against installed memory and workload demand.
- Review IBM i licensing and processor tiers for the exact destination.
- Compare the catalog model specifications with the storage and adapter inventory.
Adding resources to an existing server and moving to another server are different jobs. A formal IBM model conversion exists only when IBM offers that exact conversion; an ordinary replacement requires a migration plan.
Migration from Power 6: sequence the changes
A move from a Power 6 system on IBM i 7.2 to a current server may need a separate environment for release preparation or a documented cross-release recovery method. Keep the intermediate server, media and entitlement requirements in the quote.
- Record the current model, release and partition layout.
- Confirm the release sequence and hardware that can run each step.
- Choose the data-transfer method around a tested restore and the available outage.
- Rehearse the move before scheduling the final switch.
Several processor generations may be skipped when the verified source and destination allow it. The number on the server family does not establish a supported direct restore or a live-partition move.
Ask Midland about your Power 6 change
Send the exact machine type and model with the installed IBM i release. Include the processor feature and a summary of the applications that must continue running. Midland can then scope the equipment and migration work together.
Discuss your current Power 6 system · Return to IBM i upgrades · Explore IBM i migration
Sources and compatibility checks
Technical guidance checked October 21, 2026. A hardware release mapping describes which releases can run; support coverage and software entitlement are separate checks.